Our Interconnectedness

Did you know that cougar activity in Canmore is highest December through March, because the concentration of elk and deer seek safe haven closer to town?

Or that the warming of the Arctic causes a wavier jet stream, which is influencing recent extreme weather?

These are examples of interconnectedness, the complex relationships between all things. Although we often forget, we humans are a vital part of this interconnected web. Expressing gratitude daily is a valuable practice to remind us of our connections. As author, scientist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi  Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us "gratitude is so much more than a polite 'thank you.' It is the thread that connects us in a deep relationship." 

The Biosphere would like to express our gratitude at your engagement! This month's newsletter is full of opportunities to stay engaged and connected, together.

Green Buildings Open House 2023

The Green Buildings Open House is a self-guided tour of high-performance and sustainable building practices in the Bow Valley.

This event on June 3, 2023 is an annual showcase of homes and businesses that display leadership on high-performance and sustainable building design, construction, and homeowner practices. Buildings can display examples of sustainable technology, renewable energy systems, water and energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and more. This open house is unique because homeowners or business-owners take the lead on showing their own building to the public. 

We are seeking sponsors and participants for 2023! To sign up for updates, join as a participant, or sponsor the event, email andrea@biosphereinstitute.org. 

Bow Valley Youth Network

Are you between the ages of 15-18? Are you passionate about the environment? Are you keen to engage with others your age? Or, do you know a youth who is? We want to hear from you! We are building up a Bow Valley Youth Network to empower the youth voice on what matters most. Send us a DM or email education@biosphereinstitute.org - No experience necessary. None at all. Just curiosity!

What’s going on?

Cultural Learning Circle: Stories of the Land

What does it mean to be deeply connected to the land? Consider this from an artistic, a scientific and a Stoney Nakoda perspective. Sit in a circle in the artsPlace theatre and learn from Stoney Nakoda Community Members. Hear stories from a local scientist, about their relationship to land protection. While we discuss, local artists will create land-based art in the centre of our circle. At the end of the evening, see their amazing creations revealed!
Wednesday, January 25, 7-8:30pm
>>Registration link

Solar Show
Solar Alberta's annual Solar Show is back February 6-10, 2023. This virtual event connects Albertans to the solar industry through engaging webinars including Electric Vehicles 101, Community Generation, Solar PV Reuse & Recycling and more!
>>Details and registration

Living in the Natural Environment
Dinner and presentations February 3, 2023 in Cochrane. Speakers will discuss impacts of wildfire on our landscape. Presented by MD Bighorn and Cochrane Environmental Action Committee.
>> Register

Join us at the "Coldest Night of the Year" event
The Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley is a community-based organization that provides support to individuals without shelter in the Bow Valley. The 'Coldest Night of the Year' event is a walking fundraiser event on February 25, 2023. We invite you to walk with the Biosphere Institute team or donate to this cause at the link below.
https://cnoy.org/location/canmore

Earth Talks Speaker Series
We're partnering with the Canmore Public Library to deliver a monthly 'Earth Talks' speaker series in 2023, starting with February 27, 7pm! Join us for a presentation Scrubbing the Sky of Carbon Dioxide - an hour of discussion on removing CO2 from the atmosphere in order to meet climate targets.
>> Register now

Have an event you want us to advertise to our 1,400 subscribers? Email resource@biosphereinstitute.org

Community Corner

CanMore Together!
We’re giving a shout-out to Lucie Darshan's 'CanMore Together' initiative! She’s built a wonderful shared space for meetings + co-working, plus private offices and unique venues for all kinds of private events. Her CommUnity Hub, centrally located in downtown Canmore, is a place where community members, groups, and local businesses can all come together to Create, Connect & Collaborate. Check it out at www.canmoretogether.com, and stop by!

Want to take action?